This study, commissioned by the New York Board of Regents, concerns the evaluation of doctoral programs. Part one discusses critical problems in the assessment of excellence. Part two reviews a catalog of criteria and assessment techniques. Emphasis is placed on reputational studies, objective indicators of excellence, efficiency as an index of quality, client satisfaction ratings, intra-institutional evaluation, and evaluation of alumni. Part three indicates necessary conditions for adequate doctoral programs, and part four suggests a model for the evaluation of doctoral education. An extensive bibliography and appendices of related research material are included. (MJM)